NEW Limerick Racecourse chief executive Michael Lynch has taken a proactive step in improving relations between the track and industry stakeholders.

Lynch, who has a background in hotel management, is Limerick’s fourth CEO in just over two years. Patrick O’Callaghan stepped down from the position in late 2021 and was replaced by Emma White. She left after six months and was succeeded by Tom Rudd, who spent 18 months in the role.

Last week Lynch invited local trainers and representatives of the jockeys, owners and breeders to a ‘racing industry reconnection meeting’. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board was also represented at the meeting. The Limerick Racecourse team took the opportunity to update stakeholders on current works and planned improvements to the track’s facilities and business. Among the topics discussed were raceday operations, current facilities, ground conditions, track maintenance, sustainability, hospitality, marketing innovation and attendances.

Contacted by The Irish Field, Michael Higgins of Irish Injured Jockeys said: “I attended the meeting to show support for Michael and his initiative. The management team were very open and after their brief presentations listened and engaged intently with the small audience. Local trainers fairly monopolised the questions and answers session and it remains to be seen how successful they are in achieving their goals.

“We (Irish Injured Jockeys) are not a designated representative body, and it was disappointing that neither stable staff nor jockeys were officially represented.

“There seemed a genuine willingness on the part of Michael and his team to listen and improve matters but, as we all know, they need the support of the board of directors. I look forward to the Munster National, to see how things are on the ground.”

Peter O’Reilly, CEO of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, said: “I think it was a very positive step by the management to meet with, not only the important stakeholders like the trainers, but also wider industry representatives, like ourselves.

“They were very open and acknowledged that there had been errors made in the past but that, going forward, they were very keen to make it a vibrant and welcoming racecourse that took account of all sections of its audience from participants like owners, trainers and jockeys, to the ordinary person in the street, and the students.

“There was plenty of healthy discussion after Michael and his team presented, and the racecourse know there is plenty of work to be done but they are enthusiastic about the task and are open to new ideas.

“All in all, whilst breeders are not in the front line at racetracks like owners, they are the ones who supply the ammunition and, indeed, many also keep a few to race, so we would love to see all racecourses sharing their views and getting feedback from the likes of us about how they can improve their offering. We all work in the same industry so anything that improves it is good for us all.”

Michael Lynch, who was appointed to the Limerick job in the spring, commented: “We approached the meeting, as did attendees, with an open mind and a positive mindset. Like any good business we wanted to get closer to our customers, improve our understanding of their needs and listen to their suggestions so that we can incorporate some good ideas into our plans. We were very happy with the turnout and with the calibre of those who attended.”

There are plans to stage a similar meeting annually.

Munster National

BoyleSports are the new sponsors of the €100,000 J.T. McNamara Munster National and have signed a five-year agreement to be the title sponsor of Limerick’s two-day October festival which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th this year.

J.P McManus is also supporting the Munster National by hosting a sweepstake that will see charities from the mid-west region share €40,000. Under the initiative, local charities have the opportunity to enter the sweepstake via limerickraces.ie or via email at info@limerickraces.ie.

Each of the charities selected to participate will be matched to a horse in the Munster National. The charity matched to the winner will receive a €20,000 donation.